Hadhrat Mawlana Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) said,

“There are two types of sufis. Firstly those who strive immensely in performing supererogatory (nawafil) actions in abundance, such as excessive dhikr, salah, fasting etc. Whereas, the other type sticks to the basic actions required with few supererogatory ones but they strive to develop and establish the spiritual works of their heart. These spiritual works are, being mindful of Allah at all the times, requesting Him for every need, thanking Him for His favors, asking His refuge from any disaster, etc. They appear to be ordinary people without any show of excessive worship. In reality they are realized sufis with a perpetual connection to Allah most High.

Being this second type of sufi is the unique characteristic of the path (tariqa) of Hadhrat Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him).”

Waaz 5/07